heating FORD FREESTYLE 2009 User Guide

Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
272
ProCarManuals.com

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
274
ProCarManuals.com

•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or equivalent
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44-D, or DEX-COOL
brand with the
factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine
Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product such as
DEX-COOL
brand with your factory filled coolant can result in
degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
326
ProCarManuals.com

Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
327
ProCarManuals.com

The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature 149°F
(65°C).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
343
ProCarManuals.com

plastic parts ............................310
washing ....................................307
waxing .....................................308
wheels ......................................308
wiper blades ............................310
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .....................76, 78, 80, 82
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................30
AM/FM/CD .................................23
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............120
Console ......................................101
overhead ............................99–100
Controls
power seat ...............................158
steering column ......................110
Coolant
checking and adding ..............324
refill capacities ................328, 346
specifications ..........................346
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ......................................107
Customer Assistance ................276
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................304
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................304
Getting roadside assistance ...276
Getting the service you
need .........................................300
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................305
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................303D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................89
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................342
engine oil .................................319
Driving under special
conditions ..........................271, 273
sand .........................................272
snow and ice ...........................274
through water .................272, 275
DVD system .................................45
E
Electronic message center .......117
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................293
Emission control system ..........338
Engine ........................................348
cleaning ...................................309
coolant .....................................324
fail-safe cooling .......................328
idle speed control ...................322
lubrication specifications .......346
refill capacities ........................346
service points ..........................316
starting after a collision .........278
Engine block heater .................255
Engine oil ..................................319
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................319
checking and adding ..............319
dipstick ....................................319
filter, specifications ........321, 345
recommendations ...................321
refill capacities ........................346
specifications ..........................346
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
354
ProCarManuals.com

Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................255
F
Fail safe cooling ........................328
Family entertainment system ....45
Fluid capacities .........................346
Fog lamps ....................................88
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................270
Fuel ............................................330
calculating fuel
economy ..........................119, 335
cap ...........................................332
capacity ...................................346
choosing the right fuel ...........333
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................338
detergent in fuel .....................334
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................330, 332, 335
filter, specifications ........330, 345
fuel pump shut-off switch .....278
improving fuel economy ........335
octane rating ...................334, 348
quality ......................................334
running out of fuel .................335
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................330
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......278
Fuses ..........................................279
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............332
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................335
Gauges .........................................16H
Hazard flashers .........................278
Head restraints .........155, 161–162
Headlamps ...................................87
aiming ........................................90
autolamp system .......................87
bulb specifications ....................92
daytime running lights .............89
flash to pass ..............................89
high beam .................................88
replacing bulbs .........................93
turning on and off ....................87
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...............74, 76, 78, 80, 82
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................114
Hood ..........................................315
How to get going ........................18
I
Ignition ...............................252, 348
Illuminated visor mirror .............99
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................203
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................340
Instrument panel ........................99
cleaning ...................................311
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................89
J
Jack ............................................285
positioning ...............................285
2009 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
355
ProCarManuals.com